ABout the Band

If you asked Royal Oak what could possibly separate them from the rest of the whirlwind Canadian music scene, they would give you one simple answer: Youth.

Royal Oak has been both a band and a group of friends for almost as long as they can remember. Although the form and names of the band have changed, one thing that has stayed the same is the lasting friendship of the band members — with more than 15 years of good times between them. Having grown up in the suburbs of Vancouver learning their instruments together, Royal Oak has entered their prime as one cohesive unit, rather than four people playing music.

This makes for the tightest possible live show. The chemistry of longtime friends is undeniable, whether it’s the on-stage dynamic energy, the off-stage passion in songwriting, or even simple showtime banter between songs. Striking the balance between perfection and feel, Royal Oak leaves everything on stage and keeps all eyes on them, always sure to deliver an engaging and energetic live show that keeps you wanting more. With an ambitious Western Canadian tour and full-scale Canadian tour behind them, the group is always ready to take their show on the road and prove that they play for keeps.

On their 2017 release ‘Younger’, and more recently, on their new EP ‘Pretend’, Royal Oak has successfully paired indie rock vibes with a modern pop sensibility, presenting music that is clean and controlled, and yet bursting at the seams with energy. With standout tracks from Younger like “Livewire” and “Take All That You Can From Me”, this is a band that has found its sound. On 2018’s Pretend, the band teamed up with producer/mix engineer Ryan Worsley (Dear Rouge, Said the Whale), and that sound has now blossomed into something more. Lead single “Tell Me” is soaked in swagger with an 80’s synth backdrop, while “Only One” bounces, rolls and enchants with a desperate message of self-change. The closing track “Hold To Nothing” tells the story of a broken love while pulsating in heavy dynamics, making for the most cerebral and hard-hitting finish the band has made to date. Time and time again, the band proves you can craft memorable hooks with an indie aesthetic, while adding a little adventurous spirit into every track.

With a large touring repertoire under their belt, and the gusto in their music to back it up, Royal Oak works tirelessly at carving out their own spot in the Canadian music scene, and people are starting to take notice. And what better time than now? We’re not getting any younger.